JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:          Science Teacher

Job Goal:         To develop in each pupil an awareness of the role of science in economic and social progress; to motivate each pupil to acquire knowledge of scientific facts and principles, and skills in scientific methods of problem solving; and to discover and develop special talents of pupils in scientific fields in accordance with the Massachusetts frameworks.

Supervision:    Reports to Dean of Academics and/or Director. 

Education, Work Experience, and Licensure:

Required:  A bachelor’s degree with a science major in education.Department of Education License as a Teacher in the particular field of science(or will pass MTEL in the first year).Must be highly qualified by the end of the 2008-2009 school year.

Preferred:  Two years work experience as a Teacher in the particular field of science.A master ’s degree with a science major in education.

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Teaches skills, knowledge, and scientific attitudes through courses in general science, earth science, life science, biology, chemistry, physics, or science problems to secondary pupils, using the course of study adopted by the School Committee and other appropriate learning activities.
2. Instructs pupils in citizenship and basic subject matter specified in state law and administrative regulations and procedures of the school.
3. Plans a science program involving demonstrations, lectures, discussions, and student experiments; organizes laboratory activities for optimal learning.
4. Demonstrates scientific concepts by use of scientific apparatus, experiments, and standard or teacher-prepared charts, sketches, and other instructional aids.
5. Provides individualized and small-group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of pupils and to accommodate circumstances where a variety of projects and experiments are being worked on simultaneously.
6. Instructs pupils in proper use, care, and safe handling of chemicals, science equipment, and plants and animal life.
7. Supervises pupils in Tutoring programs and help them with their studies.
8. Provides for safe storage and proper use of materials, equipment, and tools.  Makes minor adjustments and requests repairs to equipment as required. 
9. Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior for a productive learning environment during class sessions, laboratory sessions, and field trips.
10. Evaluates each pupil’s growth in knowledge and skills in course being taught.
11. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the school, and in self-selected professional growth activities.
12. Selects and requests books, instructional aids, science equipment, chemicals, and supplies, and maintains inventory records as required.
13. Communicates with parents and school counselors on pupil progress.
14. Identifies pupil needs, and cooperates with other professional staff members in helping pupils solve health, attitude, and learning problems.
15. Assists pupils in selection and development of individual research projects.
16. Cooperates with school administration in providing science displays and programs for the school and community, and in sponsoring science activities.
17. Supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday.
18. Participates in curriculum and other developmental programs.
19. Participates in faculty committees and the sponsorship of student activities.
20. Acts as a Mandated Reporter (Chapter 119, Section 51A).
21. Complies with the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Policy.
22. Any other duties as may be assigned by Administration.

Physical Requirements:          
The position requires a moderate amount of walking, running, standing, sitting and climbing stairs and step stool whenever necessary.  Activities also include moderate physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling of objects. 
The position requires lifting objects of 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and over 20 pounds occasionally.  There is a frequent requirement of fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer, typewriter, keyboard, calculator, and other business machines.

Environmental Conditions:    
The occupant is required to work indoors and outdoors.  The regular chemical solvents are toners and cleaning fluids.  The use of scientific equipment and chemicals is required.  Use of Bunsen burners, hot plates, etc. may also be required.  The occupant may be required to use gloves or other protective clothing.